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DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-BL34 Publication ID: Fall 2022 
Title: Seabird Mitigation Measures in the Hawaii Deep-Set Longline Fishery 
Abstract:

The National Marine Fisheries Service proposes to require federally permitted Hawaii deep-set longline vessels that utilize stern setting to employ a tori line (bird scaring streamer) system instead of currently required blue-dyed bait and strategic offal discharge (fish, fish parts, or spent bait) to mitigate seabird interactions when fishing north of 23° N. The proposed action is intended to reduce albatross interactions while also streamlining fishing operations and management of the fishery. Recent research demonstrated that when tori lines are employed in lieu of blue-dyed bait and strategic offal discharge, albatross attempts are 1.5 times less likely, contacts are 4 times less likely, and captures 14 times less likely. The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council recommended this proposed action to address increased albatross interactions in the deep-set fishery since 2015 and the time and cost of existing seabird mitigation measures. The Hawaii longline fishery is a limited entry fishery with a cap of 164 vessels. In 2020, 146 of these vessels actively fished using deep-set longline gear. The action would likely result in minor economic impacts. By removing the blue-dyed bait requirement for stern-setting deep-set long vessels operating north of 23° N, each vessel would save $333.93 on average each year. Requiring the use of tori lines (one tori pole and two tori lines) would result in an upfront cost of $1,075 per vessel, however, the tori pole is expected to last many years, while each of the tori lines is expected to last several years. Given the durability of the required new gear, the annual cost per vessel is likely to be about the same or less than what fishermen are now spending on blue dye. Other features of the action would serve to reduce operational burden on the fishermen.

 
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 665   
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  12/00/2022 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: None 
Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Michael Tosatto
Regional Administrator, Pacific Islands Region
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
1845 Wasp Boulevard, Building 176,
Honolulu, HI 96818
Phone:808 725-5000
Email: michael.tosatto@noaa.gov